by King, C. M
An adorable smile swept over his face. “Sweetie, I think I traded that in a long time ago,” he replied, giving me a cheeky wink. “Now we need to gloss and spritz and then we’re on our way.”
I chuckled as he glided the wand over my lips to make them extra glossy before spritzing me within an inch of my life.
“Perfect.” He beamed with delight. “I got my Izzy back.”
I watched the tears fill his eyes as we both faced the mirror. I turned around to face him, stroking his cheek. “Elijah—don’t cry cause then I’ll cry . . .” I laughed at the look of horror on his face when my own eyes began to fill up.
“Sweetie, you’d better not ruin that eye makeup.” His hand cupped my face, quickly swiping away the stray tear.
I grabbed his hand, holding it in mine. “I just want to thank you . . . for you know.” I couldn’t continue, the words were stuck in my throat, but I needed for him to know. I couldn’t have gotten through it all without him.
He pulled me close. “Shhh . . . I don’t need thanks. I know it still hurts like hell, but you’ve got to come out of the darkness and start to live again.” He pressed his lips against my forehead and when he drew back, I saw the sad look of concern in his eyes. I had been too wrapped up in my own selfish misery to realise how much it affected him.
“Thank you for not giving up on me.” I truly meant it. He had been my one source of light throughout, without him I would have permanently been dragged under.
“Hey, best friends don’t give up on each other. Now come on, if we don’t leave this party drunk with sore feet, then we haven’t had as good a time as I’m planning.”
“Well, then you may have to carry me home.” I grabbed my clutch, slipping my arm through his.
“Sweetie, I’m planning on it.”
* * *
Roxanne’s house was a ten-minute walk away. She was one of the sweetest girls in college, and we both adored. Elijah looked hot as usual, his statement quiff styled to perfection as we chatted walking arm in arm. It was only as my arm grazed against his, I noticed the impressive pair of guns he was now sporting.
I squeezed his bicep lightly. “Hey, someone’s been working out?” I remarked, stopping to admire him. The short-sleeved black and white checked shirt he was wearing only seemed to accentuate his arms further.
He grinned with obvious delight. “Well, I got to stay in good shape to keep my man happy.”
“I bet he’s more than pleased, looks like you’ve been hitting the gym hard.” My eyes roamed over his body, he had certainly buffed up over the last month. I guess I’d been too blind to notice the change.
“Well, I stepped up my routine, you know when you’re dating a hottie you can’t let things slide.” His hands glided down his tight abs and rested on his hips as he pouted, pulling his best modelling stance.
I rolled my eyes at his response; he was never less than perfect on any given day. “Elijah, you’ve always been in great shape. I thought you were hot the moment I saw you, and it doesn’t help you have the sexiest bum.”
He chuckled with amusement. “Really? So you check out my bum a lot?”
I blushed at his question.
Why the hell would I admit to something like that?
“Well, it’s pretty hard not to when you’re forever in skinny jeans.” I smiled when he turned around so I could have a sneaky peek in the tight black jeans he was wearing.
Seriously, it was like a peach.
“You know, Iz, you look smoking tonight. If I weren’t batting for team Ryan, I would definitely fall for a girl like you.”
I blushed at his words. “Thanks, I guess.” I frowned, already hating the look of pity he was now shooting me.
His face dropped at my response. “Hey, I would in a heartbeat. Joel was stupid to ever throw you away. We are going to find you your prince and you never know, he may just even be at this party.”
My eyes widened in horror at his words. “It’s too soon—I can’t,” I stammered. I felt a rush of panic even contemplating being around another guy as I stepped back from him.
His arms reached out and grabbed me, drawing me back in. “Calm down, I’m just saying you never know what could happen, but I hope you at least have a cheeky flirt. Come on, say you’ll do it for me.” He pulled the puppy dog look, and I rolled my eyes, hating when he played that card.
“Fine,” I snapped, not feeling at all happy. I would bite my tongue for the moment and let him believe that.
He turned me back around and wrapped his arm around my shoulder as we continued our short journey. As a means of distraction, Elijah filled me in on the latest gossip at college, which was all complete lies. The stories were beyond ridiculous but the mixture of exhilaration and pleasure, watching as his eyes dance with excitement throughout, stopped me from questioning anything. I just nodded and smiled, inwardly doing yet another eye roll, letting him have his moment.
The house was practically full to the rafters when we arrived. I was pretty sure we’d barely squeeze through the door, but Elijah would certainly attempt to drag me through anyway.
We passed by the hoards of hot sweaty bodies as the music reverberated off the walls. A group of girls caught my attention passing through. I shook my head in amusement watching them grind hard against each other. Vying for the attention of several pairs of eyes locked on them from across the room.
Elijah dragged me through the crowd and grabbed us two beers. We headed out into the garden to make our way over to the familiar group of people from college.
I conceded, it actually felt good to be out and away from the stifling confines of my room. It was like leaving my own imprisonment, well at least for a short while. Maybe tonight wouldn’t be so bad after all?
I sipped slowly on my beer, watching Elijah talk fashion with some of the girls in our group. The pretty, diamond-like fairy lights caught my eyes twinkling in the distance. For a second I was transported back to that fateful night together.
I wondered if I’d never pursued it, if I had recognised and accepted Joel for being the player he was, then I wouldn’t have to deal with the cruel aftermath. Though the sad fact was I had always been in love with Joel. I would have been willing for any opportunity to be with him. Just now I was tortured with the sweet, beautiful memories of our brief time together.
I quickly swiped away a tear, trying to quickly erase the memories from my head. I couldn’t think about it tonight. I quickly gathered myself trying to gain back some composure. I was just grateful Elijah was too distracted to notice.
I tilted the last of my drink back; I needed a refill fast. Tonight was all about forgetting and I needed copious amounts of alcohol to achieve that.
I made my way by the crazy drunk guy throwing out some serious shapes as a group of people congregated around him. He was fast becoming the main attraction.
Pushing my way through to the kitchen, I stopped to stare at a cute guy pouring drinks. He seemed to be in charge of refills, so I grabbed a new cup from the stack. I smiled as I made my way over. “Hey, can I have some vodka, please?”
Beer wasn’t doing anything to improve my mood so I was going to the next level.
“Allow me.” He grinned, taking my cup filling it just over half way.
It was enough to blow my head off. I frowned as an amused grin spread across his lips. He knew fine well this was way overboard.
“That’s too much can you tip some into another cup.” I went to grab another, but he grasped my wrist and held it for several seconds as his fingers caressed my skin.
His eyes flashed up to mine. “It’s a party, loosen up a little.” He nudged me winking. I poured in some lemonade in a desperate attempt to dilute the vodka.
I took a sip, and my eyes bulged at just how potent it was. He was right about the party, I was often told to loosen up. I was highly strung and in danger of snapping, vodka would be my alcoholic friend tonight.
“I’m David, by the way.” He smiled, and I reciprocate
d. He held my gaze a little longer than I was comfortable with, and my skin began to prickle.
My fingers picked awkwardly at the fabric of my dress. “Izzy,” I murmured, dropping my eyes down to avoid any further contact.
“Well Izzy, it’s nice to meet you. What’s a pretty girl like you doing alone at a party?” His feet shifted slightly closer so I was forced to look back up.
I frowned at the close proximity and stepped back. “I’m with someone, they’re just outside talking to some friends, which I should really be getting back to . . .”
“Boyfriend?” he asked. His eyes stared intently into mine waiting for a reply.
I fidgeted awkwardly. “No, just a friend.”
The smile returned to his face, sending a wave of unease right through me.
He was a good-looking guy, though his dark brown hair only succeeded in reminding me of Joel. He was around the six foot mark, so it was hard to avoid eye contact when we were eye level. He could rival Joel in the muscle department, but I wasn’t interested in the least. I never saw anyone but Joel. He’d invaded every part of my heart, and he just wouldn’t let go.
“So you’re single then?”
Shit.
I hesitated, because I knew the moment I confirmed it, the intense pain would make my heart swell up and explode. I didn’t need the constant reminders I was indeed alone.
“Yes,” I croaked out, the lump seeming to double in size in my throat. It felt like it was about to close.
Joel’s face automatically flashed in my head, his eyes, his smile. I wondered what he was doing at this moment in time? Was he possibly thinking about me too? The most likely answer was he was out playing his single card. Judging by the attention he was attracting on Facebook, he’d have women lined up for the next year and then some.
Tears filled my eyes at the very thought. I didn’t think I’d ever let another guy lay his hands on me again. I’d probably become the more modern day version of Miss Havisham, stuck in time, never moving on.
“Are you okay?” David asked. The concern in his voice threatened to unleash the tears that were quickly forming.
I blew out a long frustrated sigh. “Not really. I recently broke up with my boyfriend, and it’s still all very raw and painful.” I picked at the rim of the cup and took another swig, wincing as the potent liquid burned the back of my throat.
He frowned, staring awkwardly down at his cup. “Oh right, sorry to hear that, you want to talk about it?” He looked back up smiling reassuringly, but I was not exactly about to spill my guts to a complete stranger.
“No, I’ve done enough talking and moping around. I’m supposed to be enjoying myself.” I finished off the last of the vodka, banging the cup down hard on the kitchen top.
“Well in that case, let me pour you another drink.” He grinned, unscrewing the cap, and I smiled at his enthusiasm.
Maybe he wasn’t so creepy after all?
Over the next hour we chatted some more. The drinks flowed, and my cup rarely ever became empty. I was slowly becoming wasted, and frankly I didn’t care. I welcomed the feeling of losing all control, unplugging my brain, and enjoying the exhilarating buzz filling my body.
Elijah walked back into the kitchen with an instant look of surprise on his face. “Hey, Iz, I thought you’d left.” He walked straight over, putting a protective arm around my shoulders, eyeing David warily.
“No, I’m having a really nice chat with—” I paused trying to let my brain catch up to speed, but I couldn’t for the life of me remember his name.
“David,” he prompted chuckling.
I hiccupped rather loudly before giggling. “That’s it—David. Elijah, meet my friend David,” I slurred slightly. Elijah looked him over for a few moments before returning his eyes to me.
“I’m off now, Iz. Sam is meeting up with me soon. Do you want me to walk you home first?” He pulled me round to fully look at him, but I just giggled.
I was seeing two Elijahs.
David’s arm wrapped around my shoulder, and I flinched slightly at the contact. “I’ll walk her home, mate, you’re okay,” David bit out in a rather abrupt tone. Even I felt a prickle at the iciness in his voice.
“Are you sure, Izzy?” Elijah asked, purposely ignoring David. He stared deep into my eyes silently questioning my decision.
I wasn’t ready to leave and go back to my prison cell just yet. I hadn’t felt this good in a long time. I didn’t want to face the big come down just yet.
“I’ll be fine, you go and enjoy some time with Sam.” I smiled reassuringly. He hesitated slightly before quickly kissing me on the cheek.
He cupped my face with his hands, his eyes searching mine one last time. “Okay, sweetie, but if you need me call or text, you know I’ll be there.”
My eyes left Elijah’s to find David glaring at him. I guess he was being a little overprotective. I shooed him away laughing. “Goodbye, Elijah. See you tomorrow. Say hi to Sam from me,” I yelled, raising my glass to him.
“Laters, Iz,” he answered, warily heading out the door. I could tell he was having an internal struggle to leave. He glanced back momentarily before disappearing out the door.
“So what do you say we really get this party started and do some shots. Are you ready for some tequila?” David asked grinning, cracking open the bottle, grabbing some glasses.
I swayed slightly as the room began to spin. “I think I’m just going to head outside for some fresh air.” I grabbed the counter for support, feeling the sickness begin to take over.
Oh god, this was not good.
He stood purposely in front of me blocking my way. “You’re not going to leave me here drinking alone, are you?” He pouted as his hand rested lightly on my shoulder, squeezing it.
A surge of nausea rushed through me. “I don’t think I can manage anymore.” I wanted to be sick. I was only just managing to hold it back as it was.
“Just one for me, please.” He pushed the glass into my hand, and I swallowed down the bile that was rapidly rising.
“Okay.” I grimaced when the shot passed my lips, fighting to keep it down.
He threw back his in one go and slammed the glass hard on the counter. “Damn, that’s good. Here, let me pour you another one.”
I put my hands up to protest. “No, I’m good—really,” I pushed myself away, quickly swaying to the side.
He thrust the glass into my hand. “Here, one more for the road.”
“Fine.” I threw it back, but my body instantly protested. I lurched over the sink groaning.
Oh god, I felt dreadful.
I felt David come up behind me. He swept my hair to the side and softly stroked my back.
“I think I’m going to be sick,” I choked out. My hand flew to my mouth, and my body lurched forward again. I felt his arms curve around me, pulling me back into him.
“Hey, let’s get you to the bathroom.”
I leaned in against him, feeling his arm support me. He helped to keep me upright, guiding me up the stairs.
We rounded the corner. “Let’s go in here.” He directed me into the first room.
My head snapped up when I noticed the bed. “Where’s the bathroom?” I asked confused, looking around. The effects of the alcohol were leaving me disorientated.
“You just need to lie down for a while, and you’ll feel better.” He patted the bed smiling and held out his hand for me to join him.
“Okay.” I wasn’t in a position to protest. My head was spinning with all the drink, and I was back to seeing double. I just wanted to sleep.
I closed my eyes the moment my head touched the soft pillow. I sighed, feeling my body begin to relax. We lay together in silence, his fingers softly caressing and stroking my arm. I felt myself go under, my body felt so heavy. The only sound was our gentle breaths rhythmically breathing together.
“Izzy, you are so beautiful,” he whispered in my ear. The soft tickle against my skin made me flinch with surprise.
&nb
sp; “Joel?” I breathed.
“No, baby, it’s David.” He gently stroked my face. I tasted his hot tequila breath when his lips gently pressed against mine. I let out a soft sigh, my thoughts automatically turning to Joel.
“You like that, baby?” he asked, gently biting my lip.
“Hmmmm, I’ve missed you, Joel, so, so much.” I let out another sigh, quickly becoming enveloped in the darkness.
Chapter 18 – Hero
I woke up in complete hell. There was no other explanation to describe the explosion that had detonated inside my head.
It hurt even to breathe.
I opened my eyes and winced. The ringing sensation inside my ears and lack of visual focus was relentless. I grimaced at the smallest shred of sunlight breaking through the curtain, now viciously torturing me. Even the slightest movement sent a whole new surge of pain through my body.
I was in hell.
I battled to bite back the nausea, each swallow felt like tiny shards of glass down my tight raw throat. It was my first humdinger of a hangover and one I wasn’t keen to replicate anytime soon.
I closed my eyes, willing sleep to takeover to transport me to a place where such pain didn’t exist. But flashbacks of the night before soon invaded my brain. My body filled with a new level of disgust, reliving his touch and breath against my face. My stomach rolled and, my throat began to wretch trying to dispel every memory of the night before.
My phone bleeped, and I grimaced at even the lowest level of decibel. I cracked my eyes slightly open, trying to regain some focus on the bright glare of the phone screen. My thumb stabbed blindly, and I somehow managed to click open the message. It was from Elijah asking if I’d gotten home safely.
Tears filled my eyes at his little act of compassion. I knew he would be devastated if I told him the truth. He didn’t need to be tortured by my own foolish mistake. Staying with David had been my choice, and I would never let Elijah carry the burden of my own consequences. As far as I was concerned, Elijah would never find out the true extent of what had happened that night. I would fight to keep it secret and protect my best friend from knowing the cruel and heartbreaking truth.